First group of sturgeon enter river for spawning

Saturday

May 4, 2013 at 12:01 AM

The first group of sturgeon have entered the Upper Black River to spawn.

By Shawna Jankoviakshawna@cheboygantribune.com

The first group of sturgeon have entered the Upper Black River to spawn.A threatened species in Michigan, mature adult lake sturgeon from the Black Lake population briefly leave that body of water to swim upstream and seek places in the Upper Black River to spawn. The first of several spawning groups that travel up the river over a three- to four-week period have been sighted in the river.Sturgeon For Tomorrow President Brenda Archambo said her organization will be posting pictures and updates on its Facebook page, “Sturgeon For Tomorrow - Black Lake Chapter.”Volunteers are still welcome to participate in the Sturgeon Guarding Program, in which individuals or groups are assigned in shifts to sites along the river. Because sturgeon typically spawn on shallow rocky beds in portions of the river, it leaves them vulnerable to those who might want to harvest them illegally. The volunteer citizens report any suspicious activity during the potential spawning season, greatly reducing the unlawful taking of sturgeon and thereby helping to protect the fish and the future population growth of the species.The volunteers stand watch and, if necessary, use cellular phones provided by Sturgeon for Tomorrow to contact DNR conservation officers who are actively patrolling the area in support of the guarding effort. Aerial surveillance is also deployed to secure the area and deter illegal activity.In addition, fisheries biologists with the DNR, Michigan State University and other agencies are also on hand, collecting biological data from the fish.Exactly when the sturgeon spawn depends on water temperature and flow.Individuals or groups interested in volunteering as a guard should contact Feldhauser at 906-201-2484 or register online at www.sturgeonfortomorrow.org/guarding-program.php. Anyone who sees sturgeon during the spawning period in the Lower Black River, Cheboygan River, Indian River, Sturgeon River or Pigeon River are asked to call Archambo at 231-625-2776 or contact the Sturgeon For Tomorrow organization through its website at www.sturgeonfortomorrow.org.Lake sturgeon rehabilitation in the Cheboygan River watershed is a cooperative effort involving the Black Lake Chapter of Sturgeon for Tomorrow, the Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State University and Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership. In addition to the guarding program, this effort includes activities such as tagging sturgeon adults and raising young fish for stocking.